Bubbling Waters, Winged Wonders & a Desert Legend Named Hi Jolly

Snake Week 2026: Living with the snakes of the Sonoran Desert

In Episode 79 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores snake week 2026 and some of the programs about our snakes. Two snakes are highlighted for their benefits to the residents on Arizona: the California Kingsnake and the Sonoran Gopher snake.  The tales portion highlights the contributions to herpetology from Rom Whittaker.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Summertime Reflections and Joseph Wood Krutch

Episode 78 is a reflection on the outdoor experiences I had while on summer break. The episode highlights: volunteering, spending time with nature, seeking experiences and the Sonoran Desert Toad. I also provide some context and reflections on letting a hobby turn into an unpleasant hustle and how to take it back. The tales portion focuses on Joseph Wood Krutch.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

The Art of Observation: Nature Journaling, Summer Birding, and the Legacy of Herbert Brown

Episode 77 of Arizona Trails and Tales introduces the concept of Nature Journaling, explores the importance of continued summer birding and shares the concept of a free course that will be offered in November of this year on Nature Journaling. The tales portion explores the contributions of Herbert Brown to Arizona's rich ornithological traditions.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Saving Lives or Limiting Choice? (Closing Trails Debate)

Episode 76 explores the thinking and controversy over closing certain Phoenix trails due to Excessive Heat Warnings. This hot button issue frequently shows up on social media forums. This episode explores both perspectives and leaves it to the listener to decide. The Tales portion focuses on two rescues-one where the hiker seemed to do everything right and still needed rescue, the other a famous tale of the rescuers who messed up causing a viral sensation in 2019. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Opposite Seasons, Similar Challenges

Episode 75 of Arizona Trails and Tales examines the similarities and differences in adaptations between summer species in the Sonoran Desert and Winter species in the Hudson Valley of New York. Happy Father's Day listeners!   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.